Daniel K Eng | Western Seminary (original) (raw)

Journal Articles by Daniel K Eng

Research paper thumbnail of “The Refining of Your Faith”?: Metallurgic Testing Imagery in James, Bulletin for Biblical Research 32.2 (2022), 182-201

Bulletin for Biblical Research, 2022

This article proposes that (1) the author of James uses metallurgic imagery in the opening exhort... more This article proposes that (1) the author of James uses metallurgic imagery in the opening exhortation and (2) a thematic thread runs through Jas 2:1–3:12 in light of the two inextricable qualities of precious metals: genuineness and purity. This case is supported by an examination of the key terms δοκίμιον and δόκιμος in Jas 1, the testing/refining process of precious metals in antiquity, and usage of metallurgic imagery in Jewish and early Christian literature. After making a case for this concept in the prologue and Jas 2:1–3:12, I suggest that the theme also tacitly recurs in other parts of the epistle.

Research paper thumbnail of East Asian and Asian American Reflections on James, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry 19.2 (2022), 245-57

Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, 2022

In this article, I offer reflections on how both East Asian culture and the Asian American experi... more In this article, I offer reflections on how both East Asian culture and the Asian American experience highlights certain aspects of the epistle of James.

First, we will explore the circumstances of the primary hearers of the epistle. Taking the designation ‘diaspora’ in James 1:1 at face value, we will discuss the minority experience of Jews in the diaspora. We will draw parallels between their lives and that of those in the modern Asian diaspora. We will pay special attention to liminality and marginalization.

Second, we will explore the collectivistic identity of Asian Americans and its influence in decision-making. East Asian cultures, influenced by Confucianism, generally prioritize on the good of the collective rather than the individual. This value assists in highlighting the collectivistic nature of the commands in James, as together they demonstrate the author’s concern for the community’s well-being. Also, the familial addresses of brothers and Father prevalent in James resonate with the family-centric East Asian culture.

Third, I will discuss how Asians often use shame as a means to motivate others. Immigrant parents often appeal to reputation and name-calling to urge their children towards the desired behavior. The author of James does likewise, associating faith without deeds with that of the demons or calling his hearers “adulteresses.” Also, the renown of figures like Abraham and Elijah serve as motivators for the hearers to emulate.

Fourth, we will examine the values of loyalty and reciprocity in both Asian and Asian American cultures. As the commitment of allegiance influences decision-making in such cultures, the call for friendship with God (James 2:23, cf. 4:4) takes on prominence as a major thrust of the epistle. James challenges his hearers to be singularly loyal to God and not to waver.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘I Call You Friends’: Jesus as Patron in John 15, Themelios 46.1 (2021), 55-69

Themelios, 2021

This article proposes that John 15:13–16 draws on the language of Roman patronage, which impacts ... more This article proposes that John 15:13–16 draws on the language of Roman patronage, which impacts the understanding of Jesus’s sayings regarding friends. We will suggest that φίλος conveys a regent obedient to a royal patron. Thus, the role of Jesus’s friend is one of subordination, not equality. After an introduction to patronage, this article makes the case that Jesus portrays himself as the greatest patron. First, John’s farewell discourse points to the disciples being subordinates. Second, Jesus makes a contrast between slaves and friends, which is consistent with many patronal relationships. Third, Jesus describes himself as a broker, mediating benefit from the Father. Fourth, inscriptions and provincial coinage contained terms like ΦΙΛΟΚΑΙΣΑΡ (friend of Caesar), referring to regents of the emperor. Patronage best explains the saying, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (15:13).” Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice for subordinates makes his patronage greater than Caesar’s.

Research paper thumbnail of A Ministry of Refreshment (2 Tim 1.15–18)

Research paper thumbnail of Addressing the Stigma Associated with Seeking Help for Mental Health Among Asian Americans, Journal of Psychology and Christianity 39.2 (2020), 125-133

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 2020

This article examines the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health struggles among A... more This article examines the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health struggles among Asian Americans and proposes ways a local church can help reduce this stigma. Two dimensions of the Asian American experience are discussed in view of the relevance to receive mental health help: the collectivistic identity and the stereotype of the model minority. After that, we examine how the message of the New Testament, especially the Gospels and Acts, addresses the fear of stigma among Asian Americans. Finally, we propose some ways a local church can foster a safe environment for Asian Americans to receive help for their mental health struggles.

Research paper thumbnail of Reading and Teaching the Book of Ruth

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Semitic Catchwords in Interpreting the Epistle of James, Tyndale Bulletin 70.2 (2019), 245-267

Tyndale Bulletin, 2019

This article examines the arrangement of the Epistle of James in light of Semitic documents that ... more This article examines the arrangement of the Epistle of James in light of Semitic documents that display catchword association. James shows evidence of being a compilation, with adjacent sections frequently connected by a common cognate. After identifying patterns of catchword association in the Hebrew Bible, LXX, and Qumran, the article identifies instances of catchword association in the Epistle of James. Finally, some conclusions are drawn for James, including recommendations about the study of its genre, provenance, structure, and interpretation. 1

Research paper thumbnail of Finally Belonging: The Reception of the Parable of the Prodigal Son Among Asian Americans

The Journal of the Asian American Theological Forum, 2019

This article examines the reception of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) among A... more This article examines the reception of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) among Asian American readers. First, we will discuss the dynamics of the parable that show similarity with Asian values, particularly (1) honor and shame and (2)Confucian values. Second, this article will discuss the parable’s elements that mirror the experience of those of Asian descent in America in three areas: immigration, the model minority, and liminality.

Research paper thumbnail of On Closed Doors, and the Value of a Bible Atlas (Acts 16:6-10)

Research paper thumbnail of The Widening Circle: Honour, Shame, and Collectivism in the Parable of Prodigal Son, Expository Times 130.5 (2019), 193-201

Expository Times, 2019

This study presents a reading of Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son through the context of colle... more This study presents a reading of Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son through the context of collectivism. After a brief survey of how honour and shame function in a collectivistic society, the essay examines the parable using Luke’s expressed occasion of the story as a starting point. The three characters are examined, as each display behaviour that is outside the accepted norms of Jewish and Greco-Roman society. The study reveals that a major element of the message of Jesus lies in the re-definition of boundaries. The Lukan Jesus remarkably does not abolish the community-first value of the Pharisees and scribes, but upholds the priority of the collective through expanding the boundaries of those who are honoured. The parable is then situated into the grand Lukan narrative, showing how the Jesus movement as described in Luke-Acts widens the circle of the collective.

Research paper thumbnail of The Antioch Assumption: Did Jews and Gentiles Actually Worship Together in Antioch? Evangelical Review of Theology 42.3 (2018), 268-279

Evangelical Review of Theology, 2018

This article challenges the widely held claim that the church in Antioch as described in Acts 11 ... more This article challenges the widely held claim that the church in Antioch as described in Acts 11 consisted of a single community with both Jews and Gentile converts meeting together regularly. After a description of the Jews in Antioch, the study examines the account of Jesus followers in Acts 11:19–26 as well as Paul’s description of his confrontation of Peter at Antioch in Galatians 2:11–14. The significant silence from the text regarding Jewish converts allows for differing views in the secondary literature regarding the makeup and number of believing communities. Ultimately, claims that there was one mixed group worshiping together in Antioch are without base.

Conference Presentations by Daniel K Eng

Research paper thumbnail of The Structure of James 1 in Light of Catchword Association in Semitic Documents

Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting 2018

Book Reviews by Daniel K Eng

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "The Ancient Mediterranean Social World: A Sourcebook," edited by Zeba A. Crook

Expository Times, 2021

Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Daria... more Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Darian R. Lockett

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Darian R. Lockett

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes," by Jackson W.

Expository Times, 2020

Jackson W., Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission(Downe... more Jackson W., Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission(Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2019.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar," Fourth Edition, by William D. Mounce

The Logos Academic Blog, 2019

https://academic.logos.com/review-mounces-4th-edition-of-basics-of-biblical-greek-grammar/

Research paper thumbnail of Review of "Septuaginta: A Reader's Edition," edited by Gregory R. Lanier and William A. Ross

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Basics of Greek Accents" By John A. L. Lee

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2018

John A. L. Lee. Basics of Greek Accents. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018. 110 pp. $14.99 paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Ministry" by Ronald M. Rothenberg.

Themelios, 2017

Ronald M. Rothenberg. Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Min... more Ronald M. Rothenberg. Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Ministry.
Charleston, SC: CreateSpace, 2017. 159 pp. £12.12/$14.99.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection" by Darian R. Lockett

Themelios, 2017

Darian R. Lockett. Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a... more Darian R. Lockett. Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2017. xviii + 255 pp. $33.00

Research paper thumbnail of “The Refining of Your Faith”?: Metallurgic Testing Imagery in James, Bulletin for Biblical Research 32.2 (2022), 182-201

Bulletin for Biblical Research, 2022

This article proposes that (1) the author of James uses metallurgic imagery in the opening exhort... more This article proposes that (1) the author of James uses metallurgic imagery in the opening exhortation and (2) a thematic thread runs through Jas 2:1–3:12 in light of the two inextricable qualities of precious metals: genuineness and purity. This case is supported by an examination of the key terms δοκίμιον and δόκιμος in Jas 1, the testing/refining process of precious metals in antiquity, and usage of metallurgic imagery in Jewish and early Christian literature. After making a case for this concept in the prologue and Jas 2:1–3:12, I suggest that the theme also tacitly recurs in other parts of the epistle.

Research paper thumbnail of East Asian and Asian American Reflections on James, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry 19.2 (2022), 245-57

Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, 2022

In this article, I offer reflections on how both East Asian culture and the Asian American experi... more In this article, I offer reflections on how both East Asian culture and the Asian American experience highlights certain aspects of the epistle of James.

First, we will explore the circumstances of the primary hearers of the epistle. Taking the designation ‘diaspora’ in James 1:1 at face value, we will discuss the minority experience of Jews in the diaspora. We will draw parallels between their lives and that of those in the modern Asian diaspora. We will pay special attention to liminality and marginalization.

Second, we will explore the collectivistic identity of Asian Americans and its influence in decision-making. East Asian cultures, influenced by Confucianism, generally prioritize on the good of the collective rather than the individual. This value assists in highlighting the collectivistic nature of the commands in James, as together they demonstrate the author’s concern for the community’s well-being. Also, the familial addresses of brothers and Father prevalent in James resonate with the family-centric East Asian culture.

Third, I will discuss how Asians often use shame as a means to motivate others. Immigrant parents often appeal to reputation and name-calling to urge their children towards the desired behavior. The author of James does likewise, associating faith without deeds with that of the demons or calling his hearers “adulteresses.” Also, the renown of figures like Abraham and Elijah serve as motivators for the hearers to emulate.

Fourth, we will examine the values of loyalty and reciprocity in both Asian and Asian American cultures. As the commitment of allegiance influences decision-making in such cultures, the call for friendship with God (James 2:23, cf. 4:4) takes on prominence as a major thrust of the epistle. James challenges his hearers to be singularly loyal to God and not to waver.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘I Call You Friends’: Jesus as Patron in John 15, Themelios 46.1 (2021), 55-69

Themelios, 2021

This article proposes that John 15:13–16 draws on the language of Roman patronage, which impacts ... more This article proposes that John 15:13–16 draws on the language of Roman patronage, which impacts the understanding of Jesus’s sayings regarding friends. We will suggest that φίλος conveys a regent obedient to a royal patron. Thus, the role of Jesus’s friend is one of subordination, not equality. After an introduction to patronage, this article makes the case that Jesus portrays himself as the greatest patron. First, John’s farewell discourse points to the disciples being subordinates. Second, Jesus makes a contrast between slaves and friends, which is consistent with many patronal relationships. Third, Jesus describes himself as a broker, mediating benefit from the Father. Fourth, inscriptions and provincial coinage contained terms like ΦΙΛΟΚΑΙΣΑΡ (friend of Caesar), referring to regents of the emperor. Patronage best explains the saying, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (15:13).” Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice for subordinates makes his patronage greater than Caesar’s.

Research paper thumbnail of A Ministry of Refreshment (2 Tim 1.15–18)

Research paper thumbnail of Addressing the Stigma Associated with Seeking Help for Mental Health Among Asian Americans, Journal of Psychology and Christianity 39.2 (2020), 125-133

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 2020

This article examines the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health struggles among A... more This article examines the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health struggles among Asian Americans and proposes ways a local church can help reduce this stigma. Two dimensions of the Asian American experience are discussed in view of the relevance to receive mental health help: the collectivistic identity and the stereotype of the model minority. After that, we examine how the message of the New Testament, especially the Gospels and Acts, addresses the fear of stigma among Asian Americans. Finally, we propose some ways a local church can foster a safe environment for Asian Americans to receive help for their mental health struggles.

Research paper thumbnail of Reading and Teaching the Book of Ruth

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Semitic Catchwords in Interpreting the Epistle of James, Tyndale Bulletin 70.2 (2019), 245-267

Tyndale Bulletin, 2019

This article examines the arrangement of the Epistle of James in light of Semitic documents that ... more This article examines the arrangement of the Epistle of James in light of Semitic documents that display catchword association. James shows evidence of being a compilation, with adjacent sections frequently connected by a common cognate. After identifying patterns of catchword association in the Hebrew Bible, LXX, and Qumran, the article identifies instances of catchword association in the Epistle of James. Finally, some conclusions are drawn for James, including recommendations about the study of its genre, provenance, structure, and interpretation. 1

Research paper thumbnail of Finally Belonging: The Reception of the Parable of the Prodigal Son Among Asian Americans

The Journal of the Asian American Theological Forum, 2019

This article examines the reception of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) among A... more This article examines the reception of Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) among Asian American readers. First, we will discuss the dynamics of the parable that show similarity with Asian values, particularly (1) honor and shame and (2)Confucian values. Second, this article will discuss the parable’s elements that mirror the experience of those of Asian descent in America in three areas: immigration, the model minority, and liminality.

Research paper thumbnail of On Closed Doors, and the Value of a Bible Atlas (Acts 16:6-10)

Research paper thumbnail of The Widening Circle: Honour, Shame, and Collectivism in the Parable of Prodigal Son, Expository Times 130.5 (2019), 193-201

Expository Times, 2019

This study presents a reading of Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son through the context of colle... more This study presents a reading of Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son through the context of collectivism. After a brief survey of how honour and shame function in a collectivistic society, the essay examines the parable using Luke’s expressed occasion of the story as a starting point. The three characters are examined, as each display behaviour that is outside the accepted norms of Jewish and Greco-Roman society. The study reveals that a major element of the message of Jesus lies in the re-definition of boundaries. The Lukan Jesus remarkably does not abolish the community-first value of the Pharisees and scribes, but upholds the priority of the collective through expanding the boundaries of those who are honoured. The parable is then situated into the grand Lukan narrative, showing how the Jesus movement as described in Luke-Acts widens the circle of the collective.

Research paper thumbnail of The Antioch Assumption: Did Jews and Gentiles Actually Worship Together in Antioch? Evangelical Review of Theology 42.3 (2018), 268-279

Evangelical Review of Theology, 2018

This article challenges the widely held claim that the church in Antioch as described in Acts 11 ... more This article challenges the widely held claim that the church in Antioch as described in Acts 11 consisted of a single community with both Jews and Gentile converts meeting together regularly. After a description of the Jews in Antioch, the study examines the account of Jesus followers in Acts 11:19–26 as well as Paul’s description of his confrontation of Peter at Antioch in Galatians 2:11–14. The significant silence from the text regarding Jewish converts allows for differing views in the secondary literature regarding the makeup and number of believing communities. Ultimately, claims that there was one mixed group worshiping together in Antioch are without base.

Research paper thumbnail of The Structure of James 1 in Light of Catchword Association in Semitic Documents

Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "The Ancient Mediterranean Social World: A Sourcebook," edited by Zeba A. Crook

Expository Times, 2021

Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Daria... more Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Darian R. Lockett

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Reading the Epistle of James: A Resource for Students" edited by Eric F. Mason and Darian R. Lockett

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes," by Jackson W.

Expository Times, 2020

Jackson W., Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission(Downe... more Jackson W., Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission(Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2019.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar," Fourth Edition, by William D. Mounce

The Logos Academic Blog, 2019

https://academic.logos.com/review-mounces-4th-edition-of-basics-of-biblical-greek-grammar/

Research paper thumbnail of Review of "Septuaginta: A Reader's Edition," edited by Gregory R. Lanier and William A. Ross

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Basics of Greek Accents" By John A. L. Lee

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2018

John A. L. Lee. Basics of Greek Accents. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018. 110 pp. $14.99 paper.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Ministry" by Ronald M. Rothenberg.

Themelios, 2017

Ronald M. Rothenberg. Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Min... more Ronald M. Rothenberg. Solving the Immigrant Church Crisis: The Biblical Solution of Parallel Ministry.
Charleston, SC: CreateSpace, 2017. 159 pp. £12.12/$14.99.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection" by Darian R. Lockett

Themelios, 2017

Darian R. Lockett. Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a... more Darian R. Lockett. Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2017. xviii + 255 pp. $33.00

Research paper thumbnail of Review of "Tapestry of Grace: Untangling the Cultural Complexities in Asian American Life and Ministry" by Benjamin Shin and Sheryl Silzer

Themelios, Apr 2017

Benjamin C. Shin and Sheryl Takagi Silzer. Tapestry of Grace: Untangling the Cultural Complexitie... more Benjamin C. Shin and Sheryl Takagi Silzer. Tapestry of Grace: Untangling the Cultural Complexities in Asian American Life and Ministry. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2016. 197 pp. £20.00/$26.00.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "The Significance of Exemplars for the Interpretation of the Letter of James" by Robert J. Foster

Themelios, Apr 2017

Robert J. Foster. The Significance of Exemplars for the Interpretation of the Letter of James. ... more Robert J. Foster. The Significance of Exemplars for the Interpretation of the Letter of James. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 2/376. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2014. 233pp. £91.94/$120.00.

Research paper thumbnail of Review: "The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures" by Jayson Georges

McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry, 2016

Jayson Georges. The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures. San Bernardino, CA: T... more Jayson Georges. The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and
Fear Cultures. San Bernardino, CA: Timē, 2016. 80 pp. Pbk.
ISBN 978-0-692-33801-8. $8.99.

Research paper thumbnail of Syllabus for BBST430—Salvation in the New Testament, Fall 2015